Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia is a condition in men that is characterized by fatty tissue in the chest, which can cause a “soft” or feminine appearance. At Rosenthal Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery, we offer gynecomastia surgery to help men overcome this condition and achieve a more masculine figure. We offer this and other cosmetic treatments to residents of Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Boca Raton, and Wellington, Florida.

What Is Gynecomastia?

Gynecomastia is a build-up of fatty tissue in the chest that creates the appearance of “man boobs.” Although this is not a health risk, many men seek treatment in order to achieve a firmer, more masculine appearance. In most cases, the fatty tissue in the chest is extremely stubborn and does not respond to diet and exercise. Gynecomastia surgery, also called male breast reduction, is the surgery used to remove this tissue and produce the desired sculpted results.

What Causes Gynecomastia?

Enlargement of glandular tissue in the breast often occurs during times of hormonal fluctuations, such as puberty or late adulthood. These are common, natural causes of gynecomastia. Underlying medical conditions, including an overactive thyroid gland or low testosterone levels, can also cause gynecomastia. Certain medications are also linked to the development of male breast tissue. Substances such as marijuana or anabolic steroids, when misused, are other gynecomastia causes.

How Much Does Gynecomastia Surgery Cost in Boynton Beach?

The cost of gynecomastia surgery will vary based on your unique needs and treatment goals. During your consultation, we consider many things to design a personalized treatment plan that will optimize your results and treatment experience. Once this treatment plan is determined, we will be able to provide you with a clear breakdown of the costs associated with your gynecomastia procedure. 

In some cases, your health insurance provider may offer full or partial coverage of your male breast reduction procedure, and we will review your eligibility during your consultation. We work with various companies that specialize in financing cosmetic surgery, including CareCredit®, PatientFi®, and Yes Doctor.

What Can I Expect During the Gynecomastia Surgery Procedure?

Before a male breast reduction surgery, we will use anesthesia to ensure that you remain safe and comfortable throughout your treatment. The techniques involved in gynecomastia surgery will vary depending on the extent of surgery required to produce the desired results. In some cases, liposuction alone is enough to produce the desired results. In other cases, liposuction will be combined with excision techniques to eliminate the necessary breast tissue. In these cases, incisions may be made around the nipple, similar to traditional breast reduction, or in other areas of the chest. After incisions are made, liposuction and other necessary techniques will be used to remove fat and breast tissue, producing a flatter, firmer chest. Then, the incisions will be sealed to complete the procedure.

What Kind of Results Can I Expect From Gynecomastia Surgery?

After gynecomastia surgery, you can enjoy long-lasting, if not permanent, results, immediately noticing a firmer, more contoured chest. Fat and breast tissue are permanently eliminated through the procedure, but this cannot prevent changes from developing in the future due to weight gain. We encourage you to maintain a healthy diet and exercise habits to make your results last as long as possible.

What Happens During Male Breast Reduction Recovery?

Due to the invasive nature of gynecomastia surgery, you will likely have to take time away from work and other activities to recover. You may experience swelling, bruising, and sensitivity for a few weeks before your final results are fully visible. Dr. Rosenthal will inform you how to care for yourself during the healing process, which may include important instructions regarding hygiene, diet, and daily activities.

Male Breast Reduction FAQ

Is gynecomastia genetic?

Even though hormonal changes are the most common cause of gynecomastia, you can inherit a genetic tendency for the condition. However, it’s relatively rare.

Does gynecomastia hurt?

Enlarged breast tissue and puffy nipples are the primary symptoms of gynecomastia, but in some cases, the breasts may be tender. Pain can occur on just one side or both sides and is caused by inflammation of the tissue.

Can gynecomastia come back after surgery?

Gynecomastia recurring after male breast reduction surgery is rare. Once the excess breast tissue has been surgically removed, it usually does not grow back or get bigger. However, there is a very small chance that tiny fragments of breast tissue could be left behind. While this usually doesn’t cause an issue, some hormones or certain medications—such as opioids or steroids—could stimulate it to grow again. Similarly, significant weight gain can cause fat to accumulate in the chest area, making it look “fuller.”

Can gynecomastia go away with exercise?

Chest exercises that develop muscle and reduce fat can help if excess fat is the cause of your condition—which is called pseudo-gynecomastia. True gynecomastia involves excess glandular breast tissue, which won’t go away with increased exercise. Gynecomastia that occurs during puberty may go away on its own as you get older.